Event ID 13 — Volume Shadow Copy Service Operations

Applies To: Windows Server 2008

The Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) provides the ability to create a point in time image (shadow copy) of one or more volumes that can be used to perform backups. The service is also used during restores of applications.

Event Details

Product: Windows Operating System
ID: 13
Source: VSS
Version: 6.0
Symbolic Name: VSS_ERROR_STARTING_COM_SERVER
Message: Volume Shadow Copy Service information: The COM Server with CLSID %1 and name %2 cannot be started. [%3] %4

Resolve

Check that services are enabled and providers are operating properly

To resolve this issue, check that the COM+ Event System service is started and that the Volume Shadow Copy service (VSS service) and Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider service are both enabled. You should also make sure that third-party installed VSS providers are operating properly. If a VSS provider is not operating properly, you should try reinstalling it. If that does not work, you should contact the provider vendor.

To perform these procedures, you must have membership in Administrators, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority.

Check that the COM+ Event System service is started

To check that the COM+ Event System service is started:

  1. Click Start, click Administrative Tools, and then click Services.
  2. In the results pane, double-click COM+ Event System.
  3. In Service status, make sure that the status is Started. If the status is not Started, click Start.
  4. Make sure Startup type is set to Automatic.
  5. Click OK.

Check that the VSS service is enabled

To check that the VSS service is enabled:

  1. Click Start, click Administrative Tools, and then click Services.
  2. In the results pane, double-click Volume Shadow Copy.
  3. Make sure Startup type is set to Manual.
  4. Click OK.

Check that the Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider service is enabled

To check that the Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider service is enabled:

  1. Click Start, click Administrative Tools, and then click Services.
  2. In the results pane, double-click Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider.
  3. Make sure Startup type is set to Manual.
  4. Click OK.

Make sure that third-party installed VSS providers are operating properly

To make sure that third-party installed VSS providers are operating properly:

  1. Open an elevated Command Prompt. Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator.
  2. Type vssadmin list providers at the command prompt.
  3. For each provider in the list, use the vssadmin create shadow command to create a shadow copy of the volume for which the provider is responsible. For more information, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=105248.

Verify

To perform this procedure, you must have membership in Administrators, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority.

To verify that the Volume Shadow Copy Service is started:

  1. Click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Services.
  2. In the results pane, double-click Volume Shadow Copy.
  3. In Service status, make sure that the status is Started. If the status is not Started, click Start.
  4. Make sure Startup type is set to Manual.
  5. Click OK.

Volume Shadow Copy Service Operations

File Services